Observing Surgery

From Wisconsin Lutheran College nursing students Jensen Westphal and Travis Stanossek:

Today we went to Beit Cure Hospital. We scrubbed in and watched four orthopedic surgeries. Here in Zambia they refer to the OR as the “theater.” The theater was very different from those we see in America. Even though the hospital has limited and dated supplies, the staff does their best to make do with what they have. While they do not have computerized patient records, one of the nurses stressed to us how important patient privacy and confidentiality is to them. We thought it was very cool to hear Christian music played in one of the theater rooms during surgery. The staff works very well together, providing exceptional patient care.

After we left the theater we played outside with the kids. Even though there is a language barrier between all of us, a simple smile and showing love can speak louder than words.

To celebrate our last day of clinical, we went to Arcades mall for ice cream. We were ready to head to Livingstone for much needed R&R.